MISSION COMPLETE: AC MILAN INTO THE ROUND OF 16

In a decisive showdown on matchday three in the Women’s Coppa Italia, AC Milan returned to form and also winning ways, beating Hellas Verona 3-0 and progressing to the knockout stages. It was a comfortable victory for the Rossonere, who were the superior side and dominated proceedings. At a difficult moment following league defeats to Inter and Juve, and despite a number of absences, Ganz’s side produced an excellent performance. Particularly noteworthy was Thomas’ second brace of the season, while Korenčiová was a solid presence between the sticks. Kirschstein also made her competitive debut.

Verona are currently enduring many difficulties and sit bottom of the Serie A table, but, going into today’s clash, they had the advantage of a superior goal difference and playing on home turf. Such a commanding win, then, wasn’t to be taken for granted. Following this afternoon’s positive away display, the Diavolo have now finished top of Group A with six points. It was a great way to finish 2021 for AC Milan, who will know their round of 16 opponents after Napoli v Empoli has been played. They now have Christmas to recharge their batteries.  

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM VERONA V AC MILAN

REPORT

Korenčiová and Longo were back in the starting line-up, while Stapelfeldt and Tucceri Cimini also got the nod. AC Milan started well, but the first big chance of the game fell to Verona as Cedeño Valderrama’s eighth-minute strike hit the post. The same player had a go again a few seconds later, but, inspired by Thomas, the Rossonere began to assert themselves. And on the half-hour mark, Lindsey opened the scoring via a deflection. Ganz’s girls continued to increase the pressure, with Keizer keeping out two efforts (one from distance, the other inside the box) from Longo after 35 and 42 minutes. The Gialloblù goalkeeper also denied Thomas (38’) and Stapelfeldt (44’) in the closing stages of the half.

AC Milan began the second half in excellent fashion and, in the space of five minutes, put the game to bed. With 47 minutes on the clock, Thomas bagged her second of the match after taking advantage of a mistake from Keizer. Three minutes later, Jane got on the scoresheet following a great team move: Thomas raced away and found Stapelfeldt, whose ball into the centre was lifted into the net by the South African. The Rossonere continued to dominate and came close to adding a fourth through Tucceri Cimini on two occasions: first, her left-footed shot was saved by Keizer (62’); then, she fired a free kick over the bar (67’). A succession of changes benefitted Hellas, who almost bagged a consolation goal more than once. In the 75th minute, Errico failed to convert from close range; five minutes later, Korenčiová produced heroics to thwart Errico and then Ambrosi after the ball had hit the bar. Despite late Gialloblù pressure, the scoreline didn’t change. Full-time.

MATCH SUMMARY

HELLAS VERONA 0-3 AC MILAN 

HELLAS VERONA (4-3-3): Keizer; Ledri (77' Rizzioli), Errico, De Sanctis (46' Oliva), Sardu; Nilsson (63' Catelli), Ambrosi, Lotti (63' Marchiori); Anghileri (77' Mancuso), Cedeño Valderrama, Quazzico. Subs.: Gritti; Horvat; Dahlberg, Zoppi. Coach: Pachera.

AC MILAN (3-4-2-1): Korenčiová; Árnadóttir (89' Kirschstein), Agard, Fusetti; Bergamaschi, Adami, Jane (83' Selimhodzic), Tucceri Cimini (69' Thrige); Thomas, Longo (89' Miotto); Stapelfeldt (69' Rizza). Subs.: Fedele; Dal Brun, Premoli; Cortesi. Coach: Ganz.

Referee: Muccignato from Pordenone.
Goals: 29' and 47' Thomas (M), 50' Jane (M).

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